Do you really need a car if you live in a big city.

[vegitagojita]

I was just wondering how many people actually own cars in big cities like Tokyo. I see pictures of areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku and it seems like everybody either walks or takes the train. I also see cars though it seems like it would be pretty useless in an area that crowded.

[Mike Cash]

There are plenty of cars in Tokyo. The real limiting factor in car ownership in Tokyo is the price of parking one, which can easily be higher than the cost of a modest apartment in less densely populated areas.

[vegitagojita]

So there is no parking on the streets. I would think that around residential areas there would be some sort of place for people to park for free.

[FrustratedDave]

So there is no parking on the streets. I would think that around residential areas there would be some sort of place for people to park for free.
Not going to happen unless you own you own property. I have three cars for private use and each one needs proof that I have a place to park them, I am lucky to own my own house so I don't have a problem. My companies cars on the other hand just need my companies address when registering.

As for owning a car in a big city, it certainly does make things very convenient. So I would say yes one could come in handy. However I have a Lexus LS 600hL and it is a big car which can cause you problems if you need to go down narrow streets, something to keep in mind when purchasing.

I am sure Mike can give you some good advise on driving in Japan, better than me.

[Mike Cash]

So there is no parking on the streets. I would think that around residential areas there would be some sort of place for people to park for free.

Japan isn't generally blocked off into residential, commercial, and industrial areas in the clear-cut way that American cities are.

With Tokyo real estate going for a zillion dollars per square inch, why would you think there would be free parking on the streets?

[Glenski]

Even in some residential areas (like clusters of danchi buildings), there may be only one parking space assigned per apartment, whether you have 1 or more cars, and often there is zero parking available for visitors.

[Taiko666]

I find that most of my Japanese friends in Toyko have cars.

However, even though I had a car for 22 years before moving to Tokyo, I haven't missed having one at all. In the UK I used my car for

* carting my drums and band equipment around.
Not necessary in Japan since all studios and music venues have excellent equipment

* Just getting from A to B when living or vistiting outside London.
I still haven't had to get somewhere that wasn't within easy reach of a railway station (+bus) in Japan

* Shopping. Used to drive to huge supermarkets once a week and load up, even when living in London.
This is just not necessary at all in Tokyo.

* For fun!.
I still need to have fun and have some independence in Japan... so I have a motorcycle.

[manners]

Cars are not really needed in Tokyo. There are train lines everywhere.

[nanook]

We have a small K-car. Need to gas it up about every 3 months or so. That's how much we use it :) Might not replace it, when it breaks. So, no, in the cities, a bicycle might come in handy, but anything more is a luxury, that is nice to have, not need to have.

[ArmandV]

I agree, a car is an expense you don't need to incur in Tokyo. The subways and trains are handy and cheap.

[FrustratedDave]

I agree, a car is an expense you don't need to incur in Tokyo. The subways and trains are handy and cheap.
Yes and we don't really need a TV ,but we have them all the same. Cars are the same, can make things a lot more convenient. However I do know what you are trying to say.:p

[Charles Barkley]

Another positive about not owning a car is how much more exercise you get without one. Obviously you don't have to use a car if you have one, but it's a temptation that at least I have not been strong enough to resist....

[uchimizu]

I stayed for a few years in Tokyo, and I found that owning a car was not that necessary considering that:
- when I buy something bulky, it is usually delivered home for free or a cheap fee;
- there is good and safe public transport in urban areas;
- parking is expensive (I heard around 20.000 to 30.000 Yens per month).

This said, a car is sometimes necessary in Japan, and I rented one in a few occasions (such as when I was moving). Just the parking rent will pay you 2 or 3 week-ends of rent-a-car, so I believe renting is far better.

It is also very pleasant to drive in Japan to go to rural areas. Driving in the Shuto expressways is definitely in the top 10 of my travel memories (along with riding a horse in the desert in Mongolia ...), as it looks so much like a video-game. Also, driving is according to me a good way to feel adult and emancipated whiel staying in Japan, and it can be a very pleasant feeling for a long term resident.

I wrote a short story about driving in Japan (http://uchimizu-en.blogspot.com/2008/01/beautiful-islands-in-south-of-japan.html) a few months ago. This may interest you.

Another positive about not owning a car is how much more exercise you get without one. Obviously you don't have to use a car if you have one, but it's a temptation that at least I have not been strong enough to resist....

[FrustratedDave]

I love your photos, I also love to take a photo or two... Thanks for the link.

[NekoMama7]

Living in Tokyo's 23-ward area is like living in Manhattan. It just doesn't make sense in having a car cost-wise, if you only drive less than once a week. Unless you need a car for professional reasons, I would suggest, as uchimizu mentioned above, to go rental. There are quite a few local rental offices in residential areas and they do rent from a half day (plus hourly rates).

You just have to know how your city is set up. Here in LA, it's really hard to get anywhere without a car. It's not impossible, but it would take 3 - 5 times more time to get anywhere, if you get anywhere at all.

[Udongein]

I don't feel a desire for a car.

I think a bicycle is best for Tokyo. I used to ride for hours from Western to Eastern Tokyo and had a blast. Now I just walk everywhere.

[HirokiNaka]

Ever thought about a horsewagon?

Lol!

No serious a car is a good thing but isn't really necessary it's only a transport wagon and you have to fill with gasoline. While a bicycle is cheaper and it brings you into all the places where you can't go with a car.
Now to be honest I would rather choose a car because it's fun and easy to ride and when you want to shop you can carry everything in one time while with a bicycle you have to go multiple times before you have everything on your shoppinglist.
And believe me I speak from experience.